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Best Head and Neck Hospital in Orange County - UC Irvine Department of Otolaryngology

Best Head and Neck Hospital in Orange County

Whether it's dealing with seasonal allergies or having a dry mouth without a clear reason, there are many ways something that's going on within your head and neck area can demand your attention.

With some issues, over-the-counter medications and a little rest might be all that's needed. But there are other problems that require input from specialists prepared to make an accurate diagnosis and offer patient-specific solutions.

Let's take a closer look at the top reasons why patients may visit the best head and neck hospital in Orange County.

Sinus and Throat Problems Can't Be Self-Managed

Some people experience occasional sinus or throat irritations that can be managed with over-the-counter remedies or common sense techniques like avoiding known irritants as much as possible. However, if symptoms are becoming increasingly disruptive, doctors at the best head and neck hospital in Orange County may take the following steps:

  • Looking for thyroid nodules or other abnormalities if you have unexplained neck pain
  • Checking for signs of sinus and/or throat infections
  • Performing image tests to look for structural irregularities in your neck or within your sinus cavities
  • Using specialized instruments to view your adenoids and other throat structures that may be responsible for your symptoms

Symptoms Are Widespread or Vague

Some head and neck problems produce symptoms that are widespread or vague in nature. This is often the case with thyroid disorders, some of which can produce symptoms that may include general fatigue, unexplained mood swings, and trouble sleeping. The diagnostic resources available at the best head and neck hospital in Orange County can also be used to determine if vague or widespread symptoms may be related to:

  • Labyrinthitis and other balance disorders
  • Salivary gland problems
  • Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
  • Tumors in the skull base or head area

You Have Unexplained Jaw and/or Facial Pain

Doctors at the best head and neck hospital in Orange County can perform tests to determine if pain or tenderness you may be experiencing in your jaw might be related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and muscle disorders. TMJ disorders can also cause facial pain. But if your symptoms include a decrease in facial sensitivity or facial paralysis, tests may be done to look for nerve damage or signs of pressure on facial nerves. This is often done to rule out stroke, infections, tumors, and Lyme disease if it's suspected you may have Bell's palsy or a similar facial disorder.

Your Regular Doctor Suspects Head/Neck Cancer

It's usually when your regular doctor suspects that you may have cancer based on your family/medical history and symptoms, or an unusual growth was spotted during a routine throat examination, that a referral is made to a head and neck hospital for further evaluation. Some cancers, like those affecting the surface of the skin, are fairly easy to treat when detected early. Other head and neck cancers present unique challenges for doctors and specialists, especially if an abnormal growth is in an area that's difficult to access. Fortunately, there are newer, less-invasive surgical techniques and innovative treatments that may improve the outcome for patients with cancer in the head and neck area.

Doctors and specialists at the best head and neck hospital in Orange County are also capable of assessing and treating unique situations, such as facial deformities or injuries affecting the neck, jaw, face, or various parts of the head. In some situations, facial reconstruction or cosmetic surgery may be necessary to restore function and appearance. There's an equal emphasis placed on follow-up care at a top-notch head and neck facility. With some head and neck conditions, this includes ongoing management and therapy.